Deep Sea Mining

With the deep sea mining value chain as the basis, the course gives an introduction to the technological, operational and geological challenges one faces when exploring for deep sea mineralisations and extracting ore from the seabed and transporting it to a processing plant. An introduction is also given to cost and profitability studies and to typical geological characteristics of relevant deposit types. Environmental impact and management of the environmental impact will also be discussed.

Competencies

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• Apply interdisciplinary competence related to deep-sea mining to conduct scoping studies / preliminary economic assessments.
• Contribute to identifying knowledge gaps and corresponding knowledge requirements to conduct more detailed feasibility studies.
• Have the ability to discuss and communicate various aspects of deep-sea mining with stakeholders from different parts of the society.

Knowledge and Skills

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• Propose a potential mining system for a given deep-sea deposit and be able to communicate how its characteristics affect cost structure and risks.
• Understand the link between spatial deposit variations and downstream processes and how these characteristics can be quantified.
• Know the value chain from exploration to extraction and finished product, including challenges associated with the society, environment, governance, and legal frameworks.

Lectures and practicals. The course is evaluated by a reference group.

Both online and physical lectures and practicals will primarily be provided as block teaching sessions (teacher and guest lecturers from abroad) but some weekly lectures during some shorter time periods may be organized.

The dates for the block sessions and the weekly sessions will be decided when the course starts.